Though lions are termed the king of the jungle because of their superiority over other predators but the jungle king can sometimes be bullied or killed by other species of animal.

Lions (male and female) are afraid of large mammals like giraffes, hippos and elephants, but they are also afraid of their day-to-day prey. Every time a hunt takes place, their prey animals are going to try their best to resist. Fear of humans is now a key factor that drives lion behavior, studies find.

Below are five animals that can easily defeat/kill a lion

1. Gorilla

Silverback Gorillas are one of the strongest and intimating animals on the planet. The large primates can lift over ten times their body weight and with the rare exception of a leopard, have no natural predators. 

However, a gorilla is a mighty foe with more stamina and fearsome strength. It’s the will to fight will last much longer than a male lion’s and if it gets its hands upon a solid branch, it can put a beating on its feline combatant.

2. Porcupine

When lions attack porcupines (it’s usually young male lions that make that mistake), the porcupine’s spines can seriously injure the lion. These injuries can make it impossible for the lions to hunt normally, leading them to hunt livestock or even humans.

Male African lions (Panthera leo) are about 10 times heavier than a crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), but even for the king of the jungle feeding on these spiky stout rodents is more minefield than cakewalk.

The report, published in the Journal of East African Natural History in May, suggests that lions usually avoid porcupines, unless a shortage of prey drives them to the prickly critters. These interactions can lead to death or severe injury.

3. ostrich

Yes, an ostrich can kill a lion with one of it’s swift kicks from it’s long powerful legs. Each ostrich has a long nail or claw at the end of both their big toes.

A frightened ostrich can achieve a speed of 72.5 kilometers (45 miles) per hour. If cornered, it can deliver dangerous kicks capable of killing a lion.

4. Rhinoceros

Rhinos are ancient animals with massive body structures. It is very difficult for a lion to take down an adult black rhino in a one to one battle.

If there is a battle between a Rhino and a Lion, the result will be exciting and full of anticipation. The Rhino could charge at the Lion and send it flying into the air. Therefore, the rhino would win the fight. Its most likely that the Rhino knocks the lion out with its large horns.

5. Hippopotamus

This animal could easily defend itself from a lion and even a group of lions. The hippo has an enormous teeth that can crush a lion with a bite. Hippos are very strong and fast to attack a lion.

Since a single bite from a hippo can crush a lion as if it is nothing, lions can only hunt a hippo in a bigger group. 

6. Giraffe

A giraffe can kick in any direction and in a manner of ways, and its kick can not only kill a lion, but has even been known to decapitate (behead) it.

Though there are other animals which can easily defeat the lion in a fight, example include: crocodile, African Elephant, buffalos, hyenas etc.